Does a 9-year-old need a booster seat in Italy?

Posted by Scully (US) on 03/22/17 01:57 PM

My son is 9 years old, 4'7", and no longer uses a car seat in the US, based on the requirements of even the strictest state, California. We will be in Italy this summer, and it seems like they require any child under the age of 12 to be in a car seat or booster seat based on age/size. Is this true? Will my son be required to use a booster seat in Italy when we rent a car?

This makes a difference as to the size of car I rent, since I have two older teenagers and a booster seat makes the back seat of a small car quite cramped.

Posted by Mira

Midwest

03/22/17 02:14 PM

2768 posts

Yes. I have a 9 year old also and we do use a booster at home but it's not required here. It is in Italy.

When traveling we use this inflatable seat called "bubble bum". It meets US safety standards, and it isn't big or expensive. Much easier to travel with and cheaper than renting a seat with the car

http://www.target.com/p/bubblebum-inflatable-car-booster-seat-black/-/A-14142316?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9014989&gclid=CLXB_qGl6tICFRe4wAodRJwNMg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Posted by Scully OP

03/22/17 03:35 PM

131 posts

Thanks for the input. In the US, at his age and height, it's all about making sure the seat belt hits him in the right place. It does in our vehicles because they're newer and can be adjusted, but doesn't in my mom's car. So he uses a booster with her. I'm not sure which vehicle we will actually end up with in Italy, since you aren't guaranteed a precise model. I feel like at age 9, it's more a matter of what a parent thinks is safest, rather than involving the government. If the seat belt hits him in the right place without a booster, I'd prefer not to use a booster and then have it in the wrong placement.

Do the Italian police enforce this law? I've seen mixed stories on that topic.

Posted by Dana

Memphis

03/23/17 02:08 AM

26 posts

We were just there last week, with our 9 year old son as well. We traveled in taxis, rented a car, and had a private Mercedes van tour one day. We never used a booster, and were never offered one. Honestly, I didn't even think to check if it was required, but none of the taxis or rental car agencies ever suggested it. I think our sons are of similar size, and I felt that mine was safe the entire time.

Posted by mom2eandb

boston, bangkok and everywhere in between.

03/23/17 04:21 AM

92 posts

we have the bubblebums for our younger children. other friends really like these mifolds. they don't really take up much space at all, not like regular boosters. we have used 2 with smaller italian and other european rental cars and have not had issues fitting 3 across (2 children and 1 adult).

whatever car you rent, it likely will not have adjustable shoulder belts.

http://www.target.com/p/mifold-grab-n-go-car-booster-seat/-/A-51509270?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=2840&gclid=CjwKEAjwwcjGBRDj-P7TwcinyBkSJADymblT7xnHGiUf5b2iMzj0fZZS0MPZhdIBgSImQWW88vE_2RoCMvvw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds